Beyond Belief. A refreshing dimension to the accountability debate

The new book Beyond Belief features insights and reflections from over 30 contributors. Here we preview its release and why the book is highly anticipated and much needed.

“This is a brutal system. It needn’t be like this. This book is an opportunity to start to think differently about accountability.”

Lord Jim Knight 

It is clear that our current inhumane system of cliff-edge school accountability - inspection in particular - is no longer fit for purpose. Urgent change is necessary. 

If we are to improve radically the way we hold our schools to account, then systemic reform has to come from within. This is why this book is needed as we seek to drive forward the agenda through co-creation and national debate. 

As a profession, we must ensure that we speak for ourselves. Where better place to start than from the pages within this thoughtful book.

Featuring a diverse range of authentic voices - from headteachers to journalists, governors to teachers, and authors to researchers – this book brings a refreshing dimension to the accountability debate. 

Blending personal insight and honest reflection, Beyond Belief is packed with the latest research, best practice and evidence from around the globe. 

These lived experiences provide a compelling case for change.

With a foreword by Lord Jim Knight, this forthright book will provoke, challenge and reaffirm your beliefs in equal measure. 

Brought to you by the team behind Headrest, Beyond Belief serves as a rallying cry. It is time to regroup and take back control of the accountability agenda. 

Alongside the author, the likes of Ros McMullen, Kenny Frederick, Pete Crockett and Julie Price-Grimshaw ensure that this powerful and timely book remains a collective effort, blended with deeply personal narratives that tell the unique story of the impact of the current punitive approach to school accountability. 

More importantly, Beyond Belief ignites the debate by suggesting how we might fix the broken system so that an intelligent and principled approach to accountability is as robust as it is dependable. 

Only then can we ensure that we have a holistic and genuinely supportive accountability framework that drives sustainable school improvement. 

“This packs a stomach-wrenching punch. 

Stories of injustice, of grief and disappointment thread throughout what is ultimately a testament to our collective professional purpose. 

So much wisdom and knowledge about our accountability system is shared, giving the reader glimpses of  a hopeful, humane future. 

This was such a brilliant and sometimes painful book to read.

Ultimately it is clear that we need to work together as a profession, to ensure that the demands of accountability are embraced and owned rather than feared.  

We have an amazing profession that deserves to be celebrated.  

Let's move the inspection system towards one of appreciative inquiry, giving recognition to the huge complexity of teaching and leadership whilst acknowledging that there will always be more to learn.”

Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching  

Beyond Belief is released on 31st January 2025. Pre-order your copy here.  

All royalties are being donated to education wellbeing charities.